Wike Denies Inviting EFCC Against His Predecessor, Acknowledges Irregularities In Contracts

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September 9, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, has explained that it was true there were irregularities in some contracts awarded by his predecessor, at the Federal Capital, but that the anti-graft agencies have not been invited to probe the past administration at the FCT.

Wike, immediate past Governor of Rivers state, had expressed concern about some contracts and the huge debt burden he inherited at the FCT.

On Friday, the Social Media was awash with reports that Wike had written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to report his predecessor over the unprecedented irregularities he noticed in the award of contracts.

But a statement on Saturday by the Director of Press, FCT, Anthony Ogunleye, stated that at no time has Wike invited the anti graft body to probe immediate past Minister of the FCT.

The statement added that the immediate past FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has not been invited in relation to certain irregularities in the award of contracts and other such matters.

“The FCT Minister, during his routine inspections of various projects within the FCT, indeed expressed concerns and frustrations regarding irregularities observed in the procurement and execution of certain projects, amongst other observations which he very publicly expressed.

“However, at no point did he contemplate or authorize any action by anyone within or outside the FCT Administration to invite the EFCC or ICPC to investigate the former FCT Minister in connection with these or any other matters.

“The FCT Minister remains focused on his responsibilities to ensure the efficient and transparent administration of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Any actions or decisions taken by the FCTA in this regard will be communicated through official channels and in accordance with due process.

“Barrister Nyesom Wike remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the discharge of his duties and remains committed to building the FCT of our collective dreams.”

Gov Akeredolu Appreciates Tinubu, VP, Nigerians For Prayers, Support While On Sick Bed; Says President, Dependable Leader

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Ayodele Oni

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September 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has said that prayers were the potent enhancers which aided his recovery and deepened his abiding faith in God and service to humanity.

Akeredolu returned to the country on Thursday after a three-month medical leave.

In a thank you message to Nigerians on Saturday, Akeredolu said he was deeply “touched by the show of love and affections from eminent individuals, groups, Organisations, political associates, and particularly, the good people of the Sunshine State – Ondo.

“Your outpour of love wrapped in prayers, kind words, cheering messages, affectionate support as well as countless display of varied forms of brotherliness during my recovery process were heart-lifting.

“The love and prayers were, indeed, potent enhancers which aided my recovery and deepened my abiding faith in God and service to humanity.

“Undoubtedly, gratitude is the greatest spark that lights fire in the soul. I consider these gestures as uncommon privileges which underscores the importance of the gift of humanity.

“I appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and love. Mr. President, you are a reliable ally and a dependable leader. I am deeply grateful.

“I equally thank the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and all Members of the Senate.

“My profound gratitude to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) led by its Chairman and Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq; and the Progressives Governors Forum, (PGF) led by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

“My sincere appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen; and all Members of the House of Representatives; Members of the Federal Executive Council; National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and other prominent leaders in the party.

“A big thank you to the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) including prominent members of the inner and outer Bars. My special appreciation to all Honourable Justices of the High, Appeal and Supreme Courts. My Lords, I am grateful.

“I am particularly grateful to the people of Ondo State and Nigerians at large for your prayers and supports.

“I thank members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Members of the State Executive Council; the recently dissolved Local Government Chairmen; Heads of Security Agencies; Revered Royal fathers ; Both Serving and Retired Bishops, Chief Imam, Clergymen and other religious leaders; Forum of Permanent Secretaries; Labour Leaders, All Civil Servants; Political Leaders across Parties ; Market Women, Artisans and Members of the State Park Management Committee; and as well as others too numerous to mention.

“My appreciation also goes to Captains of industries, friends and acquaintances, extended family members, among others. Your kindness and affection are priceless and your love, inestimable.

“Above all, I return all glory, honour and adoration to God Almighty for His immense grace, healing and mercy over me and my family. May His mercy and limitless grace continue to abide in us all.

“To the good people of Ondo State, our determination and resolve to improve the lives of our people and prosecute our conviction for developing our dear State are unwavering.

“We shall continue to toe the path of progress and double our efforts to achieve set goals and objectives in line with the “REDEEMED” agenda of our administration. We are back, and better.”

Tinubu’s Legal Team Clarifies “TPLT” inscription On Copies Of PEPC Judgement

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 9, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Coordinator of the Legal Team of President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, has clarified the inscription, “TPLT” – Tinubu Presidential Legal Team- on each page of the copies of the Consolidated Judgement of the Court of Appeal.

The copies which have made the rounds in, especially, WhatsApp Platform, have raised controversy, with not a few people insisting it is “unassailable proof that the Judgement delivered by the Judges was written by the Tinubu Legal Team.”

But in a statement issued on on Saturday, Ogala dismissed it as “innocuous watermark”, and the allegations as being further from the truth.

Hereunder, his explanation on behalf of the Team.

“Following some mischievous insinuations being made in certain quarters regarding the innocuous water-mark of copies of the consolidated judgment of the Court of Appeal with the inscription -“Tinubu Presidential Legal Team ‘TPLT’”, it has become necessary to offer this clarification.

“After the delivery of judgment in the 3 (Three) election petitions by the Court of Appeal on September 6, 2023, the Court directed its registry to make physical copies of same available on September 7, 2023.

“Accordingly, the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team applied for a certified true copy of the said judgment and paid the prescribed fee.

Lawyers for PDP were present at the registry at the same time to collect the same judgment.

“In fact, the representative of the PDP collected the first copy that was made available by the registry.

“On collecting our own copy, we immediately scanned and water-marked with the inscription – “Tinubu Presidential Legal Team ‘TPLT’” before circulating the scanned soft copies to the lawyers in our team.

“The certified true copies issued to us and other parties in the petitions by the registry do not contain the said inscription and any insinuation to the contrary is untrue.

“Counsel to the petitioners will also appreciate the fact that the insinuations being circulated in some quarters are untrue, unkind, unfair, and unfortunate, as they have the same certified copies of the judgment as we have.”

President Tinubu Speaks On Challenges Facing Humanity, Calls For Even Distribution Of Basic Necessities

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Ayodele Oni

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September 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, has called for distribution of basic necessities of life in such a way that everyone, no matter status, has unhindered access to them.

Tinubu, who spoke on Saturday, while addressing World Leaders at the 18th G-20 Leaders’ Summit, in New Delhi, India, on the sideline of the sub-theme of Session II of the Summit, which is One Family, highlighted the magnitude of challenges facing humanity today.

“The need for us to work together as one family has, therefore, become more imperative.

“We must strive to create a world of inclusiveness in which everyone has access to the basic necessities of life, and in a manner that widens and strengthens the ownership of our planet regardless of one’s economic, social, and political status.

“A world that lives as one family, but is divided by staggering income inequalities and uneven access to basic social goods by the vast majority of our people cannot result in a peaceful and secure world where shared prosperity is achieved.”

President Tinubu urged the Global North, advanced economies, and multilateral institutions to mobilize resources and direct efforts to where help is needed most in the disadvantaged Global South.

“By doing so, we will be building a society anchored on the strong values of tolerance and mutual respect, where diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation take precedence over competition, conflict, and divisions, which are based on inflexible ideologies and belief systems.”

A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesman, stated that the president expressed Nigeria’s commitment to play a major role within the G-20 and contribute to shaping a more equitable world.

The Nigerian leader called for global unity and cooperation in tackling pressing challenges, fostering inclusiveness, and establishing a fairer world order.

He acknowledged the vital role of the G-20 in shaping a rules-based world order that promotes shared prosperity and security.

President Tinubu emphasized that most of today’s pressing issues are “international in character and cannot be addressed without multilateral cooperation.

“Therefore, stronger collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships among diverse regions are the pathways to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for our world.

“This is why the role and contributions of the G-20 in shaping a new world order that is fair and rules-based can not be over-emphasized.

“I hasten to add that such rules and global governance structures of our collective dreams must be collectively designed, collectively owned, and collectively managed. This is consistent with the true spirit of One Family, mutual respect, and sustainable development.

“Nigeria is poised, able and willing to be a major player in this family of the G-20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete.”

On the issue of African Union (AU) inclusion in the G-20, the Nigerian leader welcomed the decision, saying it “opens opportunities for future membership of the group in a manner that reflects the relative balance of power and inclusiveness of humanity as One Family.

Morocco Tragedy: President Tinubu Condoles King Mohammed, Victims

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Ayodele Oni

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September 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has sent condolence message to King Mohammed VI of Morocco following Saturday’s devastating earthquake in his homeland, which claimed many lives.

A United States of America Geological Survey had disclosed that the quake was about 6.8-magnitude, and struck a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) on Friday.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday signed by presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.

President Tinubu commiserated with families who lost loved ones and all those otherwise affected by this tragedy, while wishing a full and swift recovery to those who were injured.

He assured the government and people of Morocco that the heartfelt prayers and thoughts of Nigerians are with them during this difficult moment of tragedy.

“In the face of this adversity, Nigeria will continue to stand in solidarity with Morocco as they recover, rebuild and come out stronger than ever from this unfortunate event,” the President assured.

AFCON 2024 Qualifiers: Governor Purchases 30,000 Free Tickets; Super Eagles Battle Ready For São Tomé and Principe

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 9, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has purchased a total number of 30,000 tickets, and ordered that they be given free to Akwa Ibomites to enable them watch as the Super Eagles of Nigeria tackle Falcons Parrot of Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday, September 10,2023.

The Super Eagles will file out for their final Group match against the Falcons and Parrot Team of São Tomé and Principe National team in the 2024 African Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Coach Jose Peseiro- tutored Nigerian team has vowed to replicate its 10-0 victory against the Central African country in the reverse fixture in São Tomé, by registering an handsome victory at home.

Captain of the team, William Troost Ekong, said that the Super Eagles will go all out for a handsome victory over visiting Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo as a welcome gift for Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh.

The new Gamesmaster-General of the Federation assumed office a couple of weeks ago, and has already been involved in matters of the three-time African champions, as he superintended a meeting with, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, bigwigs which agreed to an extension of the contract of Head Coach Jose Santos Santos.

“Yes, we have already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, but we want to win this match for a number of reasons. We have a new Minister of Sports Development who has hit the ground running. It is good to welcome him with a great win.

“We also need to sustain a winning mentality ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in November. So, we are not going to be taking this game as a dead-rubber or whatever people choose to call it. It is another important match as far as we’re concerned.”

Nigeria, on 12 points and two ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, have already qualified for the finals, with only the group leadership to sort out after this weekend’s final-day games. Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus host third-placed and already-eliminated Sierra Leone in Bissau, and a win will take them to 13 points.

Victory for the Super Eagles in Uyo will take them to 15 points and top of the table no matter what happens in Bissau.

In their last outing at the Nest of Champions, the Super Eagles edged Benin Republic 2-1 in a 2021 AFCON qualifier on 13thNovember 2019. The Cheetahs scored first before Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu gave Nigeria victory.

Osimhen, who lead the AFCON 2023 qualifying campaign scorers’ sheet with seven goals, is among 23 players already sweating it out in the Akwa Ibom State capital for Sunday’s encounter, and will relish the opportunity to put daylight between him and other contenders for the campaign’s Goal King crown.

The Super Eagles played all their home matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification series and the 2019 AFCON qualification series in Uyo, and were successful in both campaigns.

Sao Tome and Principe’s delegation of players and officials arrived in Uyo on Thursday.

Deadly Earthquake Hits Morocco, As Over 600 People already Dead

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 9, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Terrified Moroccan fled their homes in the middle of the night in Marrakesh following a powerful earthquake that shook the North African country. It left over 600 people dead.

A United States of America Geological Survey disclosed that the quake was about 6.8-magnitude, and struck a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) on Friday.

Strong tremors were also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira.

Moroccan media reported it was the most powerful quake to ever hit the country.

“We felt a very violent tremor, and I realised it was an earthquake,” Abdelhak El Amrani, 33, told AFP by telephone from Marrakesh.

“I could see buildings moving,” said Amrani who went outside, joining many other people, “all in shock and panic. The children were crying and the parents were distraught.

“The power went out for 10 minutes, and so did the (telephone) network, but then it came back on,” he added. “Everyone decided to stay outside.”

Updated Interior Ministry figures on Saturday showed the quake killed 632 people, more than half of them in Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces. The Ministry said deaths were, also, recorded in Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in Marrakesh, Agadir, and the Casablanca area.

Another 329 people were injured, 51 in critical condition, the ministry said.

An eyewitness, Faisal Baddour, an engineer, said he felt the earthquake three times in his building.

“There are families who are still sleeping outside because we were so scared of the force of this earthquake,” he said. “It was as if a train was passing close to our houses.”

Frenchman Michael Bizet, 43, who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh’s old town, told AFP that he was in bed when the quake struck.

“I thought my bed was going to fly away. I went out into the street half-naked and immediately went to see my riads. It was chaos, a real catastrophe, madness,” he said.

Bizet shared a video of piles of rubble from collapsed walls in the streets.

Other footage on social media showed part of a minaret collapsed on Jemaa el-Fna Square in the historic city.

An AFP correspondent saw hundreds of people flocking to the square to spend the night for fear of aftershocks, some with blankets while others slept on the ground.

Houda Outassaf, a resident, told AFP he was walking around the square when the ground began to shake.

“It was a truly staggering sensation. We’re safe and sound, but I’m still in shock,” he said.

“I have at least 10 members of my family who died… I can hardly believe it, as I was with them no more than two days ago.”

Fayssal Badour, another Marrakesh resident, told AFP the earthquake hit while he was driving.

“I stopped and realised what a disaster it was… The screaming and crying was unbearable,” he said.

The earthquake was also said to be felt in neighbouring Algeria, where the Algerian Civil Defence said it had not caused any damage or casualties.

In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in North-eastern Morocco, and in 1960 a magnitude 6.7 quake in Agadir killed more than 12,000.

The 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in neighbouring Algeria in 1980 killed 2,500 people and left at least 300,000 homeless.

INEC Has Broken The Trust Of The Nigerian People-Osinbajo’s Spokesman

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 9, 2023

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A former presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande says the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ‘damaged’ its reputation over its failure to upload the presidential results on its INEC Result Viewing Portal, IREV.

Akande was the Senior Special Assistant to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

He spoke on Friday on a Channels Television programme Politics Today, saying INEC destroyed the trust Nigerians had in the electoral umpire because Prof. Yakub Mahmood its Chairman had earlier promised to upload the result on its website.

The former presidential spokesman spoke less than 48 hours after the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

The five-man panel of the Court of Appeal had in their judgment upheld INEC’s power to decide the modality for announcing the election results.

INEC management, the PEPC said, did not break the law by its decision to transmit the results electronically.

Not a few Nigerians have however expressed their dissatisfaction with the judgment, saying it fell short of their expectations.

The Prof. Mahmood-led electoral body should have lived up to its promise to Nigerians, they insist.

Reacting Akande said, “It is important to establish something we cannot basically run away from. INEC came out of this election as a damaged good.

“There is no doubt about that. INEC itself set up a standard. INEC determined the guidelines. INEC committed to the people of Nigeria that this is how we are going to declare the result of this election.

“In fact, the chairman of INEC went abroad and said, ‘What we are going to do is that these results, when we get it, we would put it on IReV in real time.

“But guess what? When it was time for INEC to fulfill its guidelines — for certain reasons…we could talk about that– INEC failed to do what it said it would do.

“Now, it is right that if you look at the law, and I think the judges also affirmed, INEC has not really broken the law. But INEC has broken the trust of the Nigerian people.

“It is a problem for political legitimacy for people who came out of that system. So, there is a lot of cynicism, there is a lot of distrust [about those declared winners].”

Meanwhile, the two major candidates in the election Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Peoples Democratic Party, and Labour Party, respectively have challenged the PETC decision at the Supreme Court.

IREV porter.